Rambling Man's Reviews

  Words by Anselm Anderson England's Extreme heavyweights KillerKorp may sound like a horror movie, but their sound is brutal and uncompromising. Last week, they released "Vices", their latest four-track EP. The follow-up to the 2019 debut "Pain"  The quintet produces extreme metal at breakneck speed, blending modern death metal with blackened hardcore elements to create a headache-inducing experience. The savage riffery and guttural screams are some of the main attributes for fans of Cannibal Corpse and Machine Head. They combine the latter's songwriting for lengthy guitar intros and brutal breakdowns with ex-Cannibal Corpse singer Chris Barnes's vocal ferocity. KillerKorp have used this tenacity and aggression to evolve on the live circuit with notable appearances alongside contemporaries Raised By Owls, Celestial Sanctuary and Beyond Extinction . Photo courtesy of San Pr KillerKorp was formed in 2018 by the Lydiatt brothers: Ben (vocals) & Dani...

Pre-order Can’t Take Away The Fire here NWOBHM icons Raven are celebrating their fiftieth anniversary with the recent announcement of their new EP, "Can't Take Away the Fire," which features five brand new tracks for die-hard fans. The band will release this gift on February 14th. Raven was formed in 1974 by the Gallagher brothers (not the Oasis clan), Mark and John. They are joined by drummer Mike Heller, and together they deliver speed metal on tracks like "Black and Blue" and the old-school anthem "Power Hungry." the heavy metal tracks 'Can't Take Away the Fire' and 'Gimme a Lie' before settling on the Sabbath inspired 'The Wreckage'. John Gallagher comments on the reasons behind this release in a press release below “With the incredible reaction to our last album ‘All Hell’s Breaking Loose’ it spurred us to slave even harder in the songwriting salt mines”  “As an indication of where we are headed, we’ve put together f...

Words by Anselm Anderson In We Fall  is a new act on Eclipse Records. Most recently, they released their debut, "Inner Self." The ten-tracker is a deeply personal and philosophical take on a band that has reached a pivotal moment in its career. The quartet, from Portugal, combines grunge stylings with progressive elements and alternative rock signatures to help create a sound reminiscent of bands like Alice in Chains and Alter Bridge. Formed in 2022, In We Fall was formed by guitarist Carlos Carniero and drummer Federico Lopes with a childhood dream of creating a band. Vocalist Daniel Moreira soon offered his gruff vocal lines and productive values into the mix providing a retro sound of dark melodies, hook-laden choruses and intricate guitar lines for fans of grunge-era bands. Moreira recorded, mixed and produced the album at Evolui Som Studios and the results are a polished and refined edge to the music. In We Fall challenge themselves through lyrics about war, betrayal and...

  Photo Credit: OOB Records Words by Anselm Anderson Multi-instrumentalist Peter Lawson shares the story of a 17th-century witchfinder and his accomplice on his latest EP, "The Witchfinder." The EP is inspired by the true story of Matthew Hopkins and John Stearne, two witch-finders intent on causing chaos and destruction during the Civil War in 17th-century England. They hunted down suspected witches under the Witchfinder Act of 1542 before presenting them for trial. Lawson produces over half an hour of seven tracks, using traditional medieval instruments like the bodhrán and mandolin to depict their horrible deeds. Lawson combines folk, blues, and progressive music elements to craft a distinctive style that resonates with the essence of that period. The darker electronic elements come into play with a distorted monologue in the opening track "Saint Vitus Dance," which captures the innocence of the time before tragedy struck. The narrative turns unexpectedly in ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Shotgun Sawyer, based in California, has released their third studio album, a self-titled effort, via Ripple Music last Friday. The trio returns with a new drummer and direction for the better. Lead vocalist Dylan Jarman is joined by bassist Brett Sanders and the latest drummer Cody Tarbell has transitioned from stoner rock. roots-based outfit to a blues band. The trio combines traditional Chicago and Delta Blues with a modern twist on this nine-track release. The album is a chronicle of the trials and tribulations of Shotgun Sawyer since the turn of the decade, starting with the departure of original drummer David Lee. The band soon took a hiatus after they signed to Ripple Music and released their second album Bury the Hatchet. Patrick Hills of Earth Tone Studios of Sacramento, California assisted in bringing out the best of the band. Hills record a raw, personal, humble improvement of the trio's former releases. The acquisition of Cody Tarbell, forme...

  Words by Anselm Anderson The French rock group Last Temptation has returned with a new sound and lineup. In their latest album, "Heart Starter," they transition from their grunge rock guitar roots to a more traditional modern rock style. Lead by the talented guitarist Peter Scheithauer, Last Temptation has had a makeover with the addition of charismatic vocalist Loup Malevi, ex-Annihilator drummer Fabio Alessandri and long-time touring partner, bassist Franz OA Wise, Last Temptation delivers a fresh new approach to their music. "Heart Starter" is a commercial rock album in the guise of eighties rock acts like Van Halen and Aerosmith, emphasising groove-orientated riffs and huge choruses to reach a new audience, as they evolve as a unit. They recently made inroads with an appearance at Hellfest!, and supporting German Rock icons Scorpions on tour. The French band hopes to capitalise on that success with a new album, hoping to gain a bigger following from a main...

Photo Credit:Rick McGinnis The Discarded, the father-and-son trio, released their sixth full-length studio album, 'The Green Door', last week. Following their explosive first two singles, “Testify!” and “Going Down to the Beach,” they now present the anthemic  “Ooh Yeah!". frontman JP Wasson wrote “Ooh Yeah!” on his living room couch, a space often used for jamming and songwriting. ” Bassist Jared Wasson lays down a steady foundation with Drop D tuning, driving the song through its various dynamic shifts. The release of “Ooh Yeah!” alongside The Green Door represents a significant breakthrough for the band. It showcases their evolution by merging the raw grit of garage rock with the energy of punk, while also drawing from classic rock influences. The single and the album highlight the band's growth, offering listeners a cohesive, high-energy experience that reflects their signature style.   Produced by John Critchley, known for his work with artists like Elliott B...

Metal giants IN FLAMES have announced a European tour for Spring and Summer 2025, which follows directly after their extensive US tour with Machine Head in April and May. The band will play some of the biggest festivals in Europe like Rock am Ring, Mystic, Novarock, Greenfield, Copenhell, Graspop and Tuska, alongside exclusive headline shows with support bands such as Jinjer, Heaven Shall Burn, Lacuna Coil and Orbit Culture. Anders Fridén commented: "We haven’t forgotten Europe in 2025. We are excited to return to festival stages next summer and we have some special headlining shows with amazing support like Jinjer, Heaven Shall Burn and Orbit Culture! See you soon!!" Scroll down for all confirmed dates! IN FLAMES - EUROPE 2025 02.06. EE Tallinn, Noblessner Foundry * 03.06. LT Vilnius, Compensa Concert Hall * 05.06. PL Gdansk, Mystic Festival 06.06. DE Nuremberg, Rock im Park 07.06. DE Nuerburg, Rock am Ring 08.06. NL Maastricht, South Of Heaven 10.06. SI Ljubl...

Words by Anselm Anderson Independent Label Banana Recor ds presents the veterans of pop-punk , Healthy Junkies, the popular quartet from London, cordially invite you to ' Listen to the Mad' , their latest LP released last week. The fourteen-track album fuses '90s pop-punk choruses with grunge-era riffs, incorporating psychedelic rock and goth elements. Established in 2010, the band was created by French vocalist Nina Courson and guitarist Phil Honey-Jones to promote greater awareness of mental health, which is reflected in their name. The duo soon added bassist Dave Whitmore and drummer Dave Gaut to build a nationwide fanbase, which included supporting some of punk's notable names, as well as festival appearances and in print publications. They even appeared in a Sky Arts documentary entitled " The United Kingdom of Pop" It wasn't long before American DJ Rodney Bingenheimer took notice, propelling them to new levels of exposure. Photo Credit: Svenja Bloc...

Saxon is extremely excited to announce a ful l Hell, Fire, and Steel UK & Ireland Tour, which will see the band perform songs from their new album Hell, Fire, and Damnation and play their classic album Wheels of Steel in full, from start to finish, for the last time. The tour will also include all the other hits and fan favourites. Also, to make it even more special, Saxon has invited their great friend the legend that is former Accept vocalist, Dirkschneider to perform his classic album Balls to the Wal l in its entirety too which should make for one memorable evening. Saxon’s Biff Byford says, “We first toured with UDO and Accept in the U.S.A on our Crusader tour and have done lots of stuff together since, but we have never toured the UK together so this is gonna be epic. Balls to the Wall and Wheels of Steel under the same roof… it’ going to be something really special to witness. Bring it on!” Saxon’s groundbreaking album Wheels of Steel has been heavily cited by numero...

Photo Credit: Nuclear Blast Records Today, the mighty KREATOR have released a digital album and full video stream of their monumental live performance at Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile, which was held and recorded on April 23rd, 2023. Fans can relive the mayhem and massive circle pits that erupted throughout the night, showcasing the raw energy that only KREATOR and their Chilean Hordes can command. With Live In Chile you can experience one of the world's most renowned extreme metal bands rip through a breathtaking, career-spanning set full of fan favourites and songs from their most recent album, Hate Über Alles, proving that they're still at the very top of their game. Almost coinciding with the release, KREATOR's European co-headline tour with US thrash legends ANTHRAX and guests, TESTAMENT, kicks off Thursday, November 21st. Tickets are still available for some of the shows. Scroll down for all dates. LISTEN TO KREATOR - LIVE IN CHILE: https://kreator.bfan.link/lic...

Photo Credit: BJF PR Media Interview by Anselm Anderson The Rambling Man always ventures to promote new bands, as a means to educate the readers. Today, I grabbed an opportunity to speak with the lead vocalist of the newly formed Sirensong, who recently released their latest single "March Into The Sun". Please scroll down to read the full transcript with Alice Freya, in which she discussed the inception of the band, their new single, and their upcoming album. Hello, how are you? Could you introduce yourself to the readers? We are SIRENSONG, a five-piece hard rock/ metal band from South Wales. Alice Freya - Vocals Jon Evans & Ryan Barnard - Guitars Billy George - Bass Daz Joseph - Drums Sirensong are a relatively new band. Could you explain how the band got together? Most of us have been in bands together before, with four of us previously playing in a prog band called Last Flight To Pluto). We were feeling an urge to concentrate on a different sound and direction, which w...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Symphonic Death Metal act Genus Ordinis Dei celebrates their upcoming  European tour with Xandria and Sirenia by releasing "Eternal Cycle," featuring Xandria lead vocalist Ambre Vourvahis. The track reimagined the myth of Hades and Persephone, focusing on the eternal cycles of life, death and rebirth. The Italians blend their string arrangements and classical music prowess with the haunting melodies of Ambre, putting a contemporary spin on a mythical legend. The song's eerie quality foreshadows death through a powerful combination of a large horn section and orchestra. The dynamics intensify with the rapid string movements and shifting melodies.Genus Ordinis Dei's vocalist, Nick.K, enters with his intense, harsh screams  as the tempo escalates, accompanied by a robust sound of guitars and drums.Ambre Vourvahis soon joins as a counterbalance, providing soaring melodies that lend emotional and romantic support to the track. The tension escalat...

Earlier this week, Bay Area icons MACHINE HEAD announced they will kick off the new year with a  North American tour alongside labelmates and Swedish melodic death metal icons IN FLAMES , Italian metal titans LACUNA COIL , and American metalcore outfit UNEARTH. The 24-date trek will kick off on April 5th with a “hometown” show for MACHINE HEAD at the legendary Fox Theater. Then, it will head South for a stop at the Sick New World Festival before heading East and making its way across Canada. Fans can enjoy a sneak peek of what is in store for the upcoming North American tour via the MACHINE HEAD single, 'These Scars Won't Define Us,' featuring all four bands on the tour adding vocals for a WU-TANG CLAN-level thrash collaboration. Listen/purchase 'These Scars Won't Define Us' digitally, here: https://machinehead.bfan.link/these-scars-wont-define-us Watch the lyric video for These Scars Won't Define Us' digitally, here: https://youtu.be/bmqf2YZDpEc ...

Two years after the release of their last offering Black & Gold , the Swedish rock quartet Thundermother is gearing up for their much-awaited, forthcoming studio album, Dirty & Divine, due out on February 7, 2025, via AFM Records! The album pre-sale is available at this location: https://thundermother.bfan.link/dirty-divine Following a series of previously-released tracks, heavy rockers "Speaking of the Devil", "I Left My License in the Future" as well as the catchy album opening track "So Close", today, Thundermother are premiering a spine-chilling music video for their latest single, the anthemic rock juggernaut "Dead or Alive"! The band comments: "With Dead or Alive, we're exploring the feeling of emptiness that sometimes comes after a warm summer and into the fall. We're asking the question of "what do I do with my life, now that the darkness is upon me for eight months?" We don't have any answers, but ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson British Rock group Oswald Slain released their debut single "Happiness is Overrated" last week. The band, previously known as Little Thief, hails from Bristol, England. It blends classic Americana with grooves and driving rhythms, reminiscent of bands like Neil Young and Tom Waits. The band has previously toured the UK and appeared at festivals like Glastonbury and Isle of Wight. The founding members of Oswald Slain, Charlie Fitzgerald and Rhii Williams, decided to change the band name and take it in a different musical direction. Oswald Slain has been described as "Born from the creative cocoon of a home studio". The band's sounds reflect personal growth and musical evolution. band member Ryan Rogers produced the track in his back garden. Jason Mitchell mastered the record at Loud Mastering. "Happiness is Overrated" is described as a "rise above misery and a rebellion against the pressure of being happy". The track...

Upcoming guitarist Mario Vayne will release his debut single in the UK on November 22, 2024. “Rock N Roll Day” introduces Mario’s blend of driving rock and infectious melodies. The track has a familiar feel that echoes the glory days of classic pop-rock from the 1970s and 1980s yet feels fresh and contemporary. Mario Vayne, a remarkable talent from Queensland, Australia, is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He began playing music at the young age of seven, influenced by his musically inclined Italian parents. The sounds of ‘70s vinyl records filled his home, shaping his early musical influences. Artists like Cheap Trick, The Sweet, Little River Band, The Babys, and Status Quo became the soundtracks of his childhood. Mario started writing at the age of eleven, driven by his passion for playing guitar. His shy nature often concealed his talents from the world. Mario impressed audiences with his vocal range at local clubs in Australia and the UK. Mario Vayne now embarks on the ne...

Words by Anselm Anderson Acclaimed English singer-songwriter Toby Jepson returns with his first solo album in over a decade, "Look Out: Volume One." This is the first trilogy of records set for release with Toby and The Whole Trut h via Jepsong Records. The band is the latest chapter in a long, illustrious career spanning over forty years. Jepson is best known as the jovial lead singer of Gun, Little Angels, and Wayward Sons, which led to chart success and a slew of successful tours. Jepson produced "Look Out," which, as he explains in the introduction, centres on recovering from mental health issues. The six songs are the first of twenty recorded over three records. It is a cathartic collection of tracks full of wisdom and advice told through the usual charm and enthusiasm of Toby Jepson. The tracks blend hard rock, blues, and pop rock, designed to give a different perspective on a disorder affecting us all.   This is apparent on the opening track "Alone with ...